Opening the Conservation Society’s 49th AGM, chairman David Bookless referred to the sudden and tragic loss of Diana Hajikakou, who had died recently, having served as treasurer for the last 10 years. The committee’s strength is also depleted by the retirements of Julian Luckett and Mike Stott, both mainstays of the planning sub-committee.
The chairman referred to local issues where the society had been active. The re-opening of the George was greatly welcomed, but the colouring of its façade had exercised minds and tongues. Declaring a personal appreciation, he owned up to liking the colour and thought that economic considerations outweighed objections.
With regard to the sorry condition of the Landgate, the chairman reported that only yesterday Historic England been in touch, and he looked forward to the group of interested parties, Rother, Rye Town Council councillors and others, working together towards long-term repairs such as fitting a roof which would help maintain the structure.
He enquired whether members knew that the cobbles in Mermaid Street and elsewhere were listed: “Back in 2016,” he told them, “the society gave an award for good practice to East Sussex and its contractors. Unfortunately, more recent repairs do not seem to have been as good. The society produced a fully agreed guide to cobble installation and we will be pushing East Sussex County Council, who are responsible for roads, to use best practice.”
The meeting was enlivened by the contributions of invited guests to the meeting: Sally-Ann Hart MP, Simon Richard, conservation officer for Rother District Council and Councillor Andi Rivett, mayor of Rye. Following the business of the meeting, each spoke in turn, expressing appreciation and support for the work of the society.
Sally-Ann Hart upheld the value of history in harmony with modern living, and the importance of making voices heard in the planning process. She spoke of the need for more affordable homes, without offering though, any outlines of new policy. More concretely, she responded to the issue of motorbike noise, pledging to support the introduction of an acoustic camera, already trialled elsewhere for its effect in achieving noise reduction. She is also lobbying for greater penalties to discourage illegal exhaust baffle modifications.
Simon Richard, recently appointed having served as a conservation officer for Hastings Borough Council, was given a warm reception as he outlined a pragmatic approach towards upgrading the environmental standards of listed buildings, referring to Historic England’s published guidelines.
Finally, Councillor Andi Rivett gave an amusing and witty address, undertaking to become a member of the society without delay. Following the photo-opportunity outside the St Mary Centre, members and guests repaired to the Mermaid for a convivial lunch, concluded without the once fondly remembered after-dinner speeches from past presidents, such as Sir Donald Sinden in his heyday.
Image Credits: Andrew Bamji , Heather Stevenson , Kenneth Bird .